Vegetarian Spicy Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
Discover the bold and refreshing flavors of Vegetarian Spicy Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum), a classic Southeast Asian favorite with a plant-based twist! This vibrant recipe combines crisp, shredded green papaya with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy green beans, and roasted peanuts, all tossed in a tantalizing medley of lime juice, soy sauce, palm sugar, and fiery Thai chilies. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy notes that define traditional Thai cuisine. Made in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, this dish is an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying appetizer or side. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a healthy, flavor-packed salad that’s as easy to prepare as it is irresistible. Perfect for vegetarians and anyone seeking an authentic Thai culinary experience!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Green papaya (peeled and shredded)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 0.5 cup Green beans (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 pieces Thai bird’s eye chili (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Palm sugar (or brown sugar for substitution)
- 1.5 tablespoons Light soy sauce (ensure vegetarian)
- 2 tablespoons Roasted peanuts (unsalted, roughly chopped)
- 0.5 cup Cucumber (thinly sliced, optional)
Directions
Step 1
Peel and shred the green papaya using a julienne peeler or grater. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2
In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic cloves and Thai bird’s eye chilies. Gently pound them until crushed and aromatic, but do not over-mash.
Step 3
Add the palm sugar to the mortar and continue pounding until it dissolves slightly.
Step 4
Stir in the lime juice and light soy sauce, mixing everything well to create a balanced dressing.
Step 5
To the mortar, add cherry tomatoes and green beans. Lightly bruise them by pounding gently to release their juices and flavors.
Step 6
Transfer the mixture from the mortar into the bowl with the shredded green papaya.
Step 7
Toss everything together until the papaya is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 8
Sprinkle the roasted peanuts over the salad and mix gently. If using cucumber, toss it in at this step for added crunch and freshness.
Step 9
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, balancing the flavors of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
Step 10
Serve fresh at room temperature or chilled, garnished with a few extra peanuts on top if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (928.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440.6 |
| Total Fat 9.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 1.5g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1561.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 89.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 50.8g | |
| Protein 11.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 206.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1847.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories